Esko makes fourth-straight trip to state

The Esko Eskomos softball squad is once again making plans for the state softball tournament, thanks to a convincing 8-1 win last Thursday afternoon over Proctor.

The Eskomos finished off an undefeated run through the Section 7AA tournament by dispatching the Rails at Braun Park in Cloquet. Just two days before, the Eskomos won a 4-3 game over the Rails. The clincher wasn't quite as close.

"Any section final game can go three different ways: You win big, you lose big or it's a nailbiter," Esko coach Jeff Emanuel said. "I think our experience in big games helped us gather the momentum early in the game."

Sophomore pitcher Miranda Kelley gave up a lead-off hit to Proctor catcher Ashley Hanson in the first inning, but that would be the only one she'd give up for the rest of the game. "Miranda not only was lights out in the section final, she has been lights out all year," Emanuel said. "Miranda is still learning how to be a pitcher; since early in the season she has grown up so much as player and pitcher." Emanuel said Kelley and freshman catcher Jayden Karppinen "have really started to show their maturity on the field."

Each Esko starter contributed at least one hit offensively.

The Eskomos scored a run in the first inning off Proctor starter Liz Frase, then added two more runs in the third before chasing Frase in the fourth inning with four more runs. Proctor's lone run was unearned in the second inning. Esko's Kelley helped her own cause by going 2-3 at the plate while driving in two runs and scoring one. Junior Dea DeLeon went 3-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. Senior Kaitlyn Bergerson went 2-4 with a run scored and junior Kristy DeMuth hit a triple and had one RBI.

Esko, which won the Class A title in 1998 and finished as Class A runner-up in 1996, is now making its fourth-straight appearance in North Mankato. That's a state run for each of Emanuel's seasons at the helm.

To get back to state, Coach Emanuel said he had to do some revamping after the loss of several key players - four of six starting infielders. He moved Kaitlyn Bergerson from shortstop to first and Sydney Hanson from outfield to shortstop. Kristy DeMuth was the only starting infielder returning in her position, third base.

Esko (18-6) drew the tournament's top seed in the opening round of the Class AA tournament, Norwood Young America. The 23-2 Raiders topped defending Class AA champion Maple Lake to get to the tournament, its first appearance.

"People make such a big deal about the seeding of teams," Emanuel said. "We and seven other teams are in 'Kato for a reason. We are all playing the best ball of the season. We are all good teams. If we continue to make strides from our playoff push, we will be a tough team to beat."

He said making it the tourney four straight times could have an advantage over a first-time team. "Every year is so special, every ride to state has been different. If the girls believe their motto - together - anything is possible."